DETECTIVES were last night quizzing two murder suspects after a fire in a flat led to the discovery of a man’s body.

The 40-year-old victim was found by firefighters who were called to the blaze at his home in Blyth on Tuesday morning.

Crews smashed their way into the ground-floor flat, at Nordale House, on Cowpen Hall Road, shortly after 11.30am and dragged the man out.

But nothing could be done to save his life and police are now treating his death as murder. Last night detectives were still quizzing a 28-year-old man who was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of murder.

Later, a 23-year-old man from Blyth was also arrested.

And residents of the flats, which remained sealed off as a crime scene, were waiting to discover when they would be allowed back into their homes.

Joanne Lilico, 26, who lives at the flats, was evacuated by police after the blaze broke out.

She later learned that a neighbour, who she knew only as “Jason” had died.

She said: “The police and the fire brigade told us to get out, then we saw them drag the man out.

“And they were working on him for ages. He had only lived here a couple of months. I had spoken to him a few times, but just to say ‘hello’. “He was one of the quietest ones in there.”

“I do feel quite lucky to have got out with the fire being in the same block. But we have got no idea when we will be allowed back in.”

Mother-of-two Pauline Maddison, who also lives on the street, watched the drama unfold.

The 25-year-old said: “I couldn’t see any flames, it was just smoke coming out after the firefighters opened the windows.

“I saw them bring him out and they were working on him on the street. It was quite traumatic.”

Police have not yet released details of the man’s identity or his exact cause of death.

And Det Chief Insp Ian Bentham, who is leading the investigation, would still like to hear from witnesses.

He said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of this flat and who saw anyone coming and going or acting suspiciously from the flat to get in touch. I’d like to reassure people we have a team of detectives investigating this incident.”

Anyone with any information should call Northumbria Police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.